Flap-shelled turtles, snake meat seized in Karachi

KARACHI: One suspect was arrested on Tuesday for his alleged involvement in illegal wildlife trade, this was disclosed in a press statement issued by the World Wide Fund for Nature-Pakistan (WWF-P) on Thursday.

According to Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD), the coordinated raid was carried out with law enforcement agencies in Thatta. The suspect is said to be the ringleader and supplier of wildlife animal meat. The police also seized an illegal consignment of Indian flap-shelled turtles and snake meat intended for sale at local restaurants.

According to WWF-P programmes senior director Rab Nawaz, this is an important achievement by the law enforcement agencies in unveiling shadowy networks behind this lucrative and transnational crime in the country.

He added that it should be taken as an opportunity to unveil the supply chains of the trade and highlight the low penalties and lacunas in laws which deal with wildlife crimes.

WWF-Pakistan appreciated the efforts of the SWD and law enforcement agencies for coming down hard on the illegal wildlife trafficking ring in Sindh.